Are you among the many people who have restored their smile with a crown or bridge? These dental restorations can provide a long-lasting solution for damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, but their lifespan is limited. The longevity of Encino crowns & bridges can be affected by various factors.
Understanding these factors is essential to ensuring that your restoration lasts as long as possible, giving you the best value for your investment. This article explores the various factors that can impact the lifespan of your crowns and bridges, offering insights and tips to help you maximize the longevity of your restoration.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of crowns and bridges. Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and restorations. Flossing is also important for removing plaque and debris from between teeth and around restorations.
If the supporting structures of crowns and bridges become compromised due to poor oral hygiene, the restorations may become loose, fall out, or need to be replaced. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups can help ensure the longevity of your crowns and bridges and maintain optimal oral health.
Bite Forces
Excessive bite forces can stress your crowns and bridges, leading to wear, fracture, or failure of your restorations. This is particularly true for teeth in the back of the mouth, which receive more force during biting and chewing. Patients who grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, may also experience accelerated wear and damage to their restorations.
To address excessive bite forces, your dentist may recommend using a night guard or occlusal splint to protect your teeth and restorations during sleep. These devices can help distribute the forces of biting and chewing more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to your restorations.
Material Selection
Choosing the material for your crowns and bridges can significantly impact their durability and longevity. Different materials have varying properties, strengths, and weaknesses and are suitable for different applications depending on the patient’s needs.
Porcelain, zirconia, and metal alloys are popular materials for crowns and bridges. These materials are highly resistant to wear and can be made to match the natural color of your teeth closely. These materials are also biocompatible, which means they are not likely to cause adverse reactions or sensitivity in patients.
Diet and Habits
Diet and habits can significantly impact the longevity of your crowns and bridges. Consuming highly acidic or sugary foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay and erosion, compromising the supporting structures of your restorations.
You should limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages. After consuming these foods, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize acid and stimulate saliva production. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding harmful habits can help prolong the life of your crowns and bridges.
Adjacent Tooth Health
The health of neighboring teeth can play a role in the longevity of crowns and bridges. Decay or gum disease in adjacent teeth can compromise the supporting structures of your restorations and increase the risk of failure. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help detect and treat any issues with adjacent teeth before they become a problem for your crowns and bridges. Also, practicing good oral hygiene habits can help maintain the health of your adjacent teeth.
There is no magic formula for ensuring the longevity of your crowns and bridges. However, you can take comfort in knowing you have much control over many factors that affect your restorations.
Proper care and attention allow you to enjoy durable, long-lasting restorations that enhance your smile and boost confidence for years. Remember to work closely with your dental professional to maximize your chances of a successful restoration.